More Jackson schools move to virtual as problems with city's water system continue

Mina Corpuz, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·1 min read

Continued issues within Jackson's water distribution system and several water main breaks forced more public schools to hold virtual classes Tuesday, bringing the total of affected schools to nine.

Three schools that held classes at other school buildings in the district Monday went virtual Tuesday. Lester Elementary, which did not have water issues Monday, went virtual Tuesday.

The water issues began week last during a cold front with below-freezing temperatures, city officials said. Boil water notices have been issued for various parts of the city.

City Engineer Charles Williams said Monday the Public Works Department is working to restore water pressure in south Jackson and the issue is expected to be resolved by the end of the week.

Jackson city engineer Charles Williams, with the Public Works Department, estimates the water pressure is expected to be resolved by the end of the week.
Jackson city engineer Charles Williams, with the Public Works Department, estimates the water pressure is expected to be resolved by the end of the week.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba said Monday the water issues affecting schools are "not ideal" and is a "disservice to our young people."

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Here are the schools that attend classes virtually Tuesday:

  • Key Elementary

  • Lester Elementary

  • Marshall Elementary

  • Wilkins Elementary

  • Blackburn Middle

  • Peeples Middle

  • Whitten Middle

  • Jim Hill High

  • Wingfield High

Students at the schools mentioned above are eligible to receive Nutrition on the Go breakfast and lunch at school between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. After-school programming for the affected schools are canceled Tuesday.

On Monday, four schools held virtual classes and students from Key Elementary, Marshall Elementary and Wilkins Elementary attended classes at other schools.

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Reporter Mina Corpuz can be reached by email at mcorpuz@gannett.com. You can follow her on Twitter @mlcorpuz.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Nine Jackson public schools go virtual due to water system issues